And a Child Shall Lead Them

John 6:8-9 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"

Seeing life through the eyes of a child can teach each of us a thing or two about standing on God's promises.

In this story Andrew obviously thought that the child's lunch was insignificant in the grand scheme of things. But Jesus took what was offered and performed a miracle.

Children have a special way of viewing life. They always tend to see the glass half full rather than half empty. Their outlook is always unlimited and free. We can learn alot from our children and their view of life.

They teach us that even a small gift when placed in God's hands can be multipled into something more than we could ever imagine.
Learn more about Cheryl Lacey Donovan at www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com

Cheryl Donovan Nominated for Award

As an author, it is a wonderful feeling to have your body of work recognized and nominated for an award. It truly makes everything worthwhile! The Ministry of Motherhood is my testimony to God's faithfulness in my life. And now, I am so very excited to announce my nomination for an African American Literary Award in the category of Non-Ficiton. In addition, my label mates Lorraine Elzia, Jackie Moore, Ebonee Monique, and S.D. Denny along with Peace in the Storm Publishing have also been nominated. We would like to congratulate all the nominees.

Finally, we would like to ask for your support. Please visit http://www.literaryawardshow.com/voting.html and vote for each of us in our respective categories. You may vote as often as you like.

Thank you so much for your support as we try to bring you the best that African American literature has to offer.

God bless.

Speak Life

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

Your words can either make or break your children. Use them to speak life.

Nothing saddens me more than to walk into a room and hear a mother chastising her child by saying things like “Why you so dumb and stupid. You gon’ be like yo sorry daddy;” Or worse yet calling their children everything but a child of God. What do you think will happen if you always call your children bad? It can become a self fulfilling prophecy. Scripture tells us we have the power of life and death in our own tongues and despite the cliché about sticks and stones words do hurt.

If you’ve been harsh with words spoken to your children prayerfully acknowledge your sin and seek forgiveness. Look for opportunities to affirm your children. Catch them doing something right and praise them for it.

What were the last words you spoke to your children today

Empowered to Prosper in Parenting

Empowered to Prosper in Parenting
By: Cheryl Lacey Donovan


Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Empowered to prosper what a wonderful title!

When I was a young single mother it was the empowered to prosper mentality that saw me through.

Being a parent isn’t easy. Add being a teenager and a single mother to the mix and it can quickly become an equation for disaster. But contrary to popular belief children do come with an instruction manual. It’s called the Bible and I used mine every chance I got. Read More at the first stop on the Ministry of Motherhood Virtual Book Tour

What Are Your Goals for Your Children?

What will make you feel successful as a parent? And how do you intend to reach your goals?

If your children get good jobs or even become wealthy, would you be satisfied? If they are popular and have many friends, is that what you want? Would it please you if they become influential civic leaders or politicians? Or would you be happy if they just grow up to be good citizens, have good health, good families, and live like most middle-class Americans? What do you really want for your children?

Suppose they achieve all these things. Matthew 16:26 says: "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" If your children do not learn to serve God so they die unprepared to face eternity, would you really be successful as a parent?

In Genesis 18:19 God said that He would bless Abraham, because He knew Abraham would "command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice..." Would God say this about the way you train your children? If just one of your children were to face eternal condemnation because you neglected to teach them about God's will, what worse fate could they suffer?

What should you do to prepare your children, not just for this life, but for eternity? Proverbs 22:6 says: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

For further study I encourage the reader to go to www.gospelway.com/instruct/ and study our online article about Biblical principles for raising godly children.

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(c) Copyright David E. Pratte, 2/5/2005